The couple who went viral after pulling their guns out on Black Lives Matter protestors have charges filed against them for the stunt.
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Prosecutors in St.Louis filed charges against Mark and Patricia McCloskey almost a month after they pulled out their guns on protestors in front of Mayor Lyda Krewson’s home. They are each facing one count of unlawful use of a weapon. As reported by KSDK, the charge is a class E felony and can lead to a four-year prison sentence and a fine of $10,000. Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner said in a written statement that the couple waved their weapons in a “threatening manner” toward unarmed protesters and said it was unacceptable in the city of St.Louis.
“It is illegal to wave weapons in a threatening manner at those participating in a nonviolent protest, and while we are fortunate this situation did not escalate into deadly force, this type of conduct is unacceptable in St. Louis. The decision to issue charges was made after a thorough investigation with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.”
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The couple’s attorney, Joel Schwartz said in a statement that he was disappointed by the charges and believed a crime was not committed based on his clients’ testimonies.
“The charges filed today against my clients, Mark and Patricia McCloskey, are disheartening as I unequivocally believe no crime was committed. I, along with my clients, support the First Amendment right of every citizen to have their voice and opinion heard. This right, however, must be balanced with the Second Amendment and Missouri law, which entitle each of us to protect our home and family from potential threats. With that being said, given the heightened attention focused on this matter due to the current political environment, I don’t believe it is prudent to comment any further, at this time, or to try this case in the media. I look forward to reviewing the evidence and defending the McCloskeys against these allegations.”